MOSCOW, December 17 (R-Sport) - Zenit St. Petersburg's top fan club has published a controversial manifesto that attempts to justify a policy against signing black or gay players.

The club have long attracted criticism as the only top Russian side never to have fielded a black player, though reject allegations that it is policy.

Now the team's fan club has tried to explain why no black or gay players should ever turn out for the side in a document named "Selection 12."

"We are not racists, but the absence of black players in the Zenit lineup is an important tradition that underlines the identity of the club, and nothing more," the document said, published on the "Landscrona" website that unites the various fan club affiliates.

The fan club claims this policy allows Zenit to "possess its own face alongside the few football clubs to retain their identity."

"We as the most northern club of the big European cities have never shared the mentality of Africa, or South America or Australia and Oceania."

The Landscrona, who represent most Zenit fans in Russia, then suggest that African players have trouble adapting to Russia's harsh climate.

"A big part of the championship is played in pretty tough weather. In these conditions it is sometimes difficult for the technical players from warm countries to display their footballing talents to the full degree."

"We want players closer to our soul and mentality to play for Zenit."

French international Yann M'Vila reportedly turned down a summer move from Rennes after receiving death threats from Zenit fans.

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